Calculating machine



Dec. 18, 1951 s'. K. JOHNSON 2,578,705

CALCUL-AUN@ MACHINE Filed Feb. 1o, 1949 4 sheets-sheet 1 INVENTOR f SHLD K. JOHNSON 1 BY ATTORNEYS Dec. 18, 1951 s. K. JOHNSON CLCULATING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.

Filed Feb. lO, 1949 SHELDON K. JOHNSON BY g ATTORNEYS FIG.

FIG.

Dec. 18, 1951 s. K. JOHNSON CALCULATING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. l0, 1949 FIG. I4.

|52 lszb FIG. l5.

FIG. I9

FIG. |8

FIG. 2 I

b 2 m x 2 m .6.. 6 F O d Dec- 18, 1951 s. K. JOHNSON CALCULATING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. lO, 1949 FIG. 24 22e flIllll/llllllzl FIG. 25.

FIG. 29

s Y FIG. 30'.

FIG. 3 I

Y |NVENT0R SHELDON K. JOHNSON BY j ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 18, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT ori-ICE CALCULATING MACHINE Sheldon K. Johnson, Van Nuys, Calif.

Application February 10, 1949, Serial No. 75,701

11 Claims. (Cl. 235-71) This invention relates. to a calculating machine utilizing a mathematical system, for example, logarithmic, incorporating cooperating scales of great length to provide great accuracy.

Slide rules employing cooperating logarithmic Scales positioned on rigid elongated structures have long been used in making mathematical calculations. They are of limited capacity and accuracy due to the fact that they become unwieldy and impractical if made of sufficient length to give accuracy.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a device employing mathematical scales of relatively great length as compared to those embodied in conventional slide rules. The scales embodied in the device of the present invention are formed by graduated markings on eXible webs or tapes and are exposed between rolls or supplies which may be of substantial size or capacity, the device being light, compact and portable.

A further general object of the present invention is to provide a calculating device in which scales comprising webs or tapes are supported for selective independent or conjoint movement. In the prei erred form of the invention the scales are related to a xed reference mark to facilitate reading, and are movable relative thereto.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the general character referred to involving operator actuated means including a slidable reciprocable part by which the scales can be moved readily in either direction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the general character referred to Wherein the scales are adjusted by a mechanism actuated by a manually rotatable knob so located that it can be turned conveniently in either direction and connected by speed-increasing gearing to a tape.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a device oi the type described in which flexible scales are adjusted manually by means including speed-increasing gearing, or may selectively be given a micro-adjustment by means omitting that gearing.

Other objects and features of the invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred embodiments in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a perspective View of a first preferred embodiment of the invention showing the structure ready for operation;

Figure 2 is a central longitudinal vertical section through the construction shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section upon the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical section through the actuating mechanism upon the line 4--4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a detailed sectional View on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a side elevation of a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Figure 6 looking in the direction of the arrows on the line 1 1;

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view upon the line 8 8 of Figure 6 Figure 9 is an enlarged transverse sectional view on the line 9 9 of Figure 6;

Figure 10 is a partial longitudinal section on the line IU-l 0 of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a detailed sectional view upon the line l I--I I of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a detailed section on the line i2-I 2 of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is an enlarged detailed section on the line l3-I 3 of Figure 6;

Figure 14 is a top View of a third preferred embodiment of the invention in which the rule telescopes and folds to decrease its size for storage purposes;

Figure 15 is a side View of the construction of Figure 14 showing the parts in their operative relationship;

Figure 16 illustrates the length of the rule when telescoped;

Figure 17 shows the telescoped rule of Figure 16 folded for storage purposes;

Figure 18 is a partial longitudinal section through a carrier for the sliding tape upon the line |8--I8 of Figure 14;

Figure 19 is a partial longitudinal section upon the line |9-l9 of Figure 14 showing the spring wound carrier at the opposite end of the sliding tape;

Figure 20 is a partial longitudinal section upon the line 20-20 of Figure 14 showing the springactuated take-up for the fixed scale;

Figure 21 is a partial longitudinal section upon the line 2l-2I of Figure 14 showing the hooktype connection at the opposite end of the iixed tape;

Figure 22 is a transverse section upon the line 22-22 of Figure 14 and illustrates the manually rotatable carrier at one end of the sliding tape and the seat formed therein for the cable at the end of the tape;

Figure 23 is a transverse section through the rule and its slide runner upon the line 23-23 of Figure 14;

Figure 24 is an enlarged showing of the runnersupporting means;

Figure 25 is a partial transverse section upon the line 25-25 or" Figure 14 and shows the pivotal connection of the center sections of the rule and also the position of the bridge key;

Figure 26 is a partial longitudinal section .through the sliding bridge key illustrated in Fig- 3 ure 25 which functions to hold the foldable center sections of the rule in alignment;

Figure 27 is a transverse section upon the line 2'5-2! of Figure 14 showing the manually rotatable carrier for the slide scale and the spring take-up for the xed scale;

Figure 28 is an enlarged partial transverse section upon the line 28-28 of Figure 23 and shows the spacing of the upper and lower runner plates;

Figure 29 is a top view of the fixed stock scale;

Figure 30 is a top view of the slidable scale and shows the cable at one of its ends; and

Figure 3l is a View looking in the direction of the arrows upon the line 3I-3I of Figure 22 and shows the brake means which permit rotation of the carrier for the slide scale but prevent over-run.

Referring to the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the structure is seen to include two flexible tapes or webs carrying graduated markings to form scales X and Y. A fixed reference mark or line C cooperates with the scales and extends transversely over their visible exposed portions. The opposite ends of the tapes are wound spirally in the form of rolls or supplies Iii. The structure also includes a pair of containers or carriers D at each end of the tapes, side frames E, and manually7 actuated scale operating means li' by which the scales may be adjusted.

The tapes II of which the scales X and Y are formed may be of any suitable material, as for example thin, flexible strips of steel or other suitable material commonly employed in the manufacture of flexible rules or the like. The invention contemplates tapes of substantial length, that is, each tape may be many times longer than the conventional slide rule. In practice they may vary considerably in width, the width i.

in a particular case being governed somewhat by the markings. Where the structure embodies but two scales they are preferably of equal width, as shown in the drawings.

The markings I2 on the tapes of scales X and Y may be of any suitable character so far as the broader principles of the invention are concerned. It is preferred, however, that they constitute linear representations of logarithms. In

-such cases the structure preferably includes a I ixed reference mark or line C to facilitate` scale reading, the mark corresponding to the shiftable reference mark formed in the ordinary rigid logarithmic scale construction.

In the preferred arrangement the scales X and Y between the carriers D at their ends are exposed, lthe apposing edges I of the tapes closely approaching each other as shown in the drawings. The markings I2 are on the exposed visible faces of the tapes, preferably adjacent the apposing edges I5. In the form 'of the invention junder consideration both top and bottom of the central portions of the tapes are exposed. Ac-

for 'supply v'Ill at one of its ends and fed to the other.

It follows vthat the rsize of the roll or Ysup- Also, when this` ply at an end of a tape varies in accordance with the operative position of the tape. Plain unmarked portions may be provided at each end to provide a guide to indicate that the usable length of tape has been withdrawn. In Figure 2 of the drawings the roll I0 at the left is shown containing a substantially supply of tape while the roll at the right is practically depleted. YIf that tape is shifted to the right it will be fed into the roll I at the right, increasing its size, the roll at the left becoming correspondingly reduced in size.

Where the instrument has two scales there will be two rolls of tape at each of its ends. In the preferred arrangement the rolls at each end are arranged side by side to provide a simple, compact construction. In the form of the invention under consideration the containers D at each end are formed by a cylindrical shell 2U having at its top a tangential opening 2I through which the tapes pass. The inner wall of the shell is smooth and preferably polished so that the tape when forced tangentially therein through the opening 2I slides around circumferentially to form a spiral roll as shown at the left in Figure 42. The sliding friction between the roll of tape and the enclosing wall of the shell and between adjacent convolutions of the roll itself provides a desirable drag to prevent overrunning in the sense that it serves 'to check or brake the travel of the tape upon the removal of the displacing force and also to retain it in a set position. In the form of construction illustrated in Figures l to 5, inclusive, two carriers D at each end of the structure are formed in the shell 20 by a partition 23. The ends of each shell are closed by detachable caps 25 secured to the shell and to each other by a central tie involving a stem 25 projecting inward from one cap and having an interiorly threaded end which receives a screw 26 extending inward from the other cap and passing through the partition 23, as is clearly shown in Figure 3. The caps 2li on the same side of the device are connected by longitudinally extending upper and lower frame members 3U. Members 3G are rigid and cooperate with the end caps 24 at their opposite ends to form rigid frames E. rlhe scales X and Y extend parallel to and between the upper frame members 3D, entering the carriers D through the top openings 2| therein. 'I'he underside of the scales X and Y can be viewed by looking downwardly 'between the lower pair of members 3U with the unit inverted.

The reference mark C may be of any suitable form In the form illustrated the upper mark C is positioned on a transparent cover l34 extending lengthwise of the structure between the top frame elements 3D. The mark cooperating with the lower faces of the tapes is on a transparent cover 35 located immediately below the tapes. Cover 35 is carried between the frame members 30 and extends lengthwise of the structure as shown. It is to be understood that the reference mark C may be in the nature of fine scratches or hair lines on the transparencies forming the covers 34 and 35, after the lmanner common in instruments of this general character.

The operating means for scales X and Y is such as to enable a 'person using the instrument to operate them separately or simultaneously. In the form of the invention under consideration the means F involves, generally, a manually operated means and a drive from such means to each tape. The manually operated means includes a pair of sliding or reciprocating structures comprising blocks 40 slidably carried on the upper frame members 30. An arm 4| pivoted at 39 projects upwardly from each of the blocks and a handle 4`2 in the form of a cross-member extends between and connects them. Each block 40 slidably embraces the upper, lower and outer sides of a frame member 3 and in practice is fitted as to slide freely thereon, being connected to the opposite block 40 by a transverse member 40a underlying the tapes.

The scale operating means F includes tapepropelling drives normally in released position and adapted to be engaged at will by the person operating the machine. Each drive is shown as a clutch construction, there being a clutch for operating each tape, and the means being such that either or both of the clutches may be engaged as the operator may desire. In the case illustrated there is a clutch carried by or related to each block 45 arranged directly to engage the adjacent tape.

The particular clutch construction illustrated involves in each instance a fixed jaw 45 carried by the block beneath the adjacent tape and a shiftable jaw 46 supported slidably in a guideway 41 over the tape and above the ,fixed jaw 45.

The arms 4| are shown shiftable relative to the blocks from which they extend and each arm has a cam portion at its lower end. The shiftable clutch jaw llt is normally held up in retracted inoperative position by a suitable leaf spring 5B and the cam part i9 for operating the clutch jaw has oppositely arranged cam faces 5l so located and proportioned as to force the jaw 46 into clamping engagement with the underlying tape when the arm 4I is swung in either direction from its normal vertical position.

When an arm 4l is in its normal upright position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the clutch controlled thereby is open or released and the block 40 carrying that arm can slide lengthwise of the structure without moving the adjacent tape. If it is desired to move a particular scale or tape to the left the arm 4I upon that side of the drive is swung to the left, causing the clutch to engage, and continued pressure on the arm toward the left will cause the attached block to move in that direction drawing the scale with it. The movement of the scale or tape to the right may be eiected in a similar manner sides are to be understood to be identical.

In accordance with the present invention the handle l2 oi the scale operating means F is so coupled to each of the arms il! that they can be rocked separately or simultaneously, as'the user elects. In the case illustrated ball and socket joints connect the upper ends of the arms to the ends of the handle 2, the handle extending transversely a suitable distance above the top transparency 34. The arms di are provided at their upper ends with spherical balls Sil positioned in suitable sockets l in the end portions of the handle. At one end of the handle the ball 5G is confined in the socket 6i for limited universal movement by a cap S3 threaded on that end of the handle. At the other end the ball 6B is free to shift longitudinally of the handle for a limited distance and is yieldingly conned by an abutting coil spring 61% held by the cap @5 threaded on the end of the handle. By providing for limited axial movement of the handle relative to the last-mentioned ball E!! either of the arms 4i can be swung ineither direction to effect clutch engagement without etfecting a' corresponding tilting movemerit inthe otherarm;

The opposite i From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the structure embodying the present invention includes the two scales X and Y with markings representing logarithmic values which scales are related to a reference mark C. The operating means F enables a person using the device to shift either scale in either direction or to operate both scales simultaneously in either direction with the result that the scales may be manipulated relative to and may be read in connection with the reference mark C in the manner familiar to persons employing logarithmic scales or slide rules. The scales are not short, limited length elements characteristic of the usual slide rule but rather, being flexible tapes with coiled ends, they are of great length and yet are conveniently and neatly handled. The tapes are in fact made longer than the scaled lengths thereof in order that the user will note that he has reached the end of the scale before moving the tape accidentally all the way from one container and thus avoid the difficulty of replacing it therein.

In the form of the invention illustrated on sheet 2 or" the drawings the scales X and Y correspond generally to the scales X and Y rst described, and likewise there is a reference mark C similar to the mark C irst described and cooperating with the scales X and Y'. As in the iirst embodiment scales X and Y have central exposed Visible portions extending between rolls or supplies l il supported by rotatable carriers D which in turn are supported by a rigid enclosing frame E. Further, in this form of the invention the manually actuated scale operating means F involves a manually operated member gear connected to clutch drives so that the tapes may be accelerated in their movement through a resulting speed-up provided by the gearing.

In the form of the invention shown on sheet 2 two cooperating scales X and Y are arranged with straight exposed visible portions in edge to edge relationship, the markings on the tapes being adjacent the apposed edges. rI'he frame E is a box-like structure adapted to be positioned on a table or other support, only the top or upper sides being exposed. Consequently, there are markings on the upper sides only of the tapes and there is but one reference mark C' which is carried by a transparent cover or closure 3ft suitably mounted in the top of frame E.

In this form of the invention the structure includes roller guide means H provided at each end of the exposed portion of each scale. The tapes pass over these rollers on their way to and from the carriers D. Accordingly, the supply rolls i may be located other than at the ends of the structure if desired.

The carriers D are in the form of spools rotatably supported on transverse spindles 'il and yieldingly urged by internal springs l2 to wind in the attached tape. rThe supplies or rolls i0 are all located at one end of the structure, the rolls of each tape being located one above the other, as clearly illustrated in Figures 6, 8 and l0. The spools D are formed with side walls of suiiicient radial extent readily to receive the entire length of the attached tape.

The manually operated means in this form of the invention comprises a rotatable element 83, preferably a wheel or knob, located at the side of frame E near one end. The wheel 83 is shown provided with a suitable handle 84 and is rotatably supported in one side of the frame E by its hub S5. The axis of rotation of wheel exavance tends transversely and is located near the end of the structure remote from the supplies I. A segmented. drive shaft E@ is rotatably supported by suitable bearings 8l and 323v and suitably driven from the VWheel 83 inv a manner to be described. The bearing #il carrying one end of shaft Bi is supported by the side wall of frame E' remote from Wheel 83 While the bearing- 88 carrying the other end of shaft 36 is supported Within the Wheel hub 85.

A speed-increasing gear drive connects manually rotatable member 83 to the shaft; 86. The drive involves an arm 89 projecting radially from thehub dl within frame E and carrying a pinion 96 engaging an internal ring gear SI xed to the frame side wall. A drive geary e2 carried by shaft 53 is keyed topinion eil' and meshes with a gear 94 fixed on thev sha-ft Se. Rotation of Wheel 83 causes the shaft d5 to rotate at a greatly increased rate, the ratio being determined by the ratio of the teeth of pinion to ring gear Qi. and the teeth of gear 92 to shaft gear 94.'

` Each scale tape Wraps partially around. a sprocket spool S6, the teeth 91 engaging sprocket openings along the outer edge of. the tape. Each sprocket spool has a rim 98 supported from a hub 99 by a iiat Web IBI, the hub 99 being rotatable on shaft 33. A. clutch. plate H33 apposes each sprocket spool web ISI, being carried by spring arms IM projecting from pins I extending radially through and being shiftable axially of shaft 85. When the pins H36 are shifted toward the sprocket spool the clutch plate m3 frictionallly engages its web I'l to establish a driving engagement. The pins are slidable longitudinally relative to the shaft 85 in slots IM which, however, permit no relative rotation so' that the pins and attached clutchk platel rotate with the shaft when it is rotated.

. There are a pluralityof sprocket spools and tapes and ycontrol means are provided by which the Wheels can be clutchedV to shaft 8e individually or conjointly. The shaft 86 is tubular being provided with a central. longitudinal bore IIi. A hollow operating rod I i2 isslidable in bore III and extends to the side of wheel 83 Where` it carries an' operating knobl H3. The pins IE6 of the clutch nearest Wheel 83 are fixed to rod II-Z and upon the rod being shifted axially the clutch pins are correspondingly shifted in their slots IE7. A second operating rod H6 is slidably carried in hollowV rod Il?, one of its. ends extending tothe exterior of the structure where it hasl an operating knob I'I'I adjacent knob II3. The pins Il of the second clutch are xed to the rod IIS ata point beyond the end of rod H2 so that by shifting rod IISG axially that clutch can be operated, its pins IE6 sliding in their slots E01 in shaft 86;

The structure preferably includes means to hold releasabl'y the clutches engaged once they are closed. In the form illustrated a spring acti-ie ated detent IIB- carriedv by Wheel t3" engages a recessed seat IIS in rod II-2 to hold it in its clutch-engaging position. A similar spring actuated detent I2! carried by shaft 86 adjacent its outer end engages selectively a recessed seat I22 on the operating rod IIS to holdY it inV position Where the clutch controlled thereby is engaged.

In practice it may be desirable to provide the construction with look means' for the scales so that the operator can set either or both against movement. Accordingly, a lock shoe |26 is shown related to each tape as to cooperate with a-xed underlying abutment |21'. A cam device isprovided. for' operating withv a cam slot |29 in the shoe. When the shoe |26 is rotated, as by turning the attached handle ISI, it is moved-either to- Ward or from.l the abutment I2l and either to clamp or to release the tape positioned therebetween. When so clamped scale movement ispositively prevented.

The form of the invention just described may alsov employ tapes having suitable' markings thereon, as for instance logarithmic markings, to the endthat it can function in a mannerA similar to an ordinary logarithmic slide rule. The scales, of course, may be of great length, giving tol the instrument far' greater accuracy than is possible when using an ordinary slide` rule.

The` operation of this, the second preferred embodiment of the invention, is believed tov be clear from the foregoing.. It being desired to adjust either scale X or Y relative to' marker C', the' user first longitudinally adjusts rod I I2 or rod IIe, depending upon which tape: and' which sprocket spool S6 he desires to clutchv to the rotatable shaft 86. He can, of course, if he desires', clutch both to the shaft. This isaccomplished by forcing both knobs I I3 and. lII inwardly whereupon the clutch plates |03 make rictional contact with. the front surfacesV or" the spool webs IUI apposed thereto. Manual rotation of the rotatable member 83 then causes the shaft 36 to be rotated` at a much greater speed through the speed-multiplying gear connections described. rllhe tapes having been moved, in either direction desired, a point determined by the direction of rotation of the Wheel 831,v they may then be clamped in place by a simple rotation of the lock handles I3 I. Regardless of Which way the scales are traveling, they are moved by the sprocket spool 9 over which they pass and are drawn from the supply I0 at one of their ends` and feed upon the' supply le' at their oppo-l site ends, the coil spring T2 of the spools D' functioning' in each instance to enable the spool to rotate and to Wind the oncoming scalek thereon.

In the event that Very slow adjustment of the scales is desired, as for example a precise microsetting of a scale mark to the hairline, this may be accomplished by' turning manually that knob H3 or II'T which isY connected through a clutch tothe sprocket carrying the scale which is to be adjusted. Thesel knobs and their connected shafts IIL'. and I I5 are direct connected through the clutch plates tothe sprocket spools, whereas the normal actuating wheel 83 is gear connected thereto. When knobs Ill or II3 are used the gearing provides a desirable drag to make the microsetting possible.

Referring now to` the third embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 14' to 31, inclusive, a construction is shown which in outward appearance more nearly approaches the conventional slide rule when extended in its operati-vev relationship; It has the distinct advantage,` however, that While of greater length and encompassing a tape-type scale, as in the previous embodiments, it further magnifles the scale length and so its accuracy through being adapted to telescope and: fold into an overall length even less than that ofv conventional rules.

The rule constructed in accordance with' this third preferred embodiment of the invention comprises pairsof center sections I 5I and |52, formed of legs ll-a and b,- and I52a. and b, respectively, the. sections being pivotallyoonneoted at' their abutting inner endsl by apivotal mounting |53 and telescopically enclosed at their spaced outer ends by longitudinally slidable outer sections |55 and |51, formed of legs |56a and b three re-entrant channels |6|, |62 and |63, the I' middle channel |82 being deeper and of lesser height as is clearly illustrated in Figure 24. Leg |51a of outer section |51 telescopically encloses leg |52a and is itself formed with re-entrant channels |86, |61 and |138 which slidingly seat, respectively, in channels |6|, |62 and |63 of leg |52a. The relationship is such that the interiitting channels, which also give to the structure increased rigidity, provide for relative longitudinal sliding movement. The interrelationship is common upon both sides of the pivotal center mounting of the rule and to both lips upon each side permitting the sections i 56 and |51 to be telescoped over the center sectionsJ |5| and |52 from their extended positions Figures 14 and 15 to a shortened relationship as illustrated in Figure 16.

When in use the center sections |5| and |52 are maintained in alignment as illustrated in Figures lli and l5 by a slide locking key |1| seated within a re-entrant channel |12 in the top of each leg a and b of members |5| and |52. When it is desired to collapse the unit and to fold it the slidable bridge keys or slides |1| are forced longitudinally toward the outer ends of legs |5|a and |5|1J, the pin |13 in each slide traveling to the outer ends of its slots |14. This relationship is best illustrated in Figures 25 and 26. With pin |18 abutting the outer or left end (as viewed in Figure 26) of slot |14 the slide lock |1| is entirely within the length of its carrying leg |5|a or |5ib whereupon the sections |5| and |52 may be pivoted to side-by-side adjacency. To aid in the lateral shifting of slide locks |1| their upper surfaces preferably are roughened or knurled as illustrated at i153 in Figure 26. Outward displacement of each slide lock from its carrying channel |12 is prevented as the bases of the slides are of greater width than the mouths of the channels.

With the unit related for use a pair of parallel tapes X and Y extends between its opposite ends from shell 58 to shell |59. In the present example of the invention scale X corresponds to the stationary or stock scale of the ordinary slide rule while scale Y corresponds to the slide scale and is referred to herein as such. Means must be provided by which slide scale Y can be adjusted longitudinally between the opposite ends of the unit and by which stock scale X can be held its extended position. Means must also be provided to accommodate the scales with the unit collapsed. These features will now be discussed.

Shells |58 58 at the opposite ends of the unit have their open ends closed by end plates i8! |82 suitably secured by removable screws |83. A transverse shaft |84 extends centrally in each shell` one cf its ends being xed in a suitable bearing seat |81@ in end plate |82 while its opposite end is carried by a knob |86 formed illustrated in E.

with an inwardly extending hub |88 rotatable in an enlarged bearing seat |81b in adjacent end plate |8|. The peripheral surfaces of knobs or rollers |86 are roughened or knurled to aid the operator in rotating them and they preferably have sufficient mass as to insure that upon being given a rapid turn their inertia will be sucient to insure continued rotation for a limited time period against the braking action provided by friction and other means as will be described. Within shell |58 at the left end of the unit as viewed in Figure 14 shaft |84 supports two scale vcarriers corresponding to the carriers D of the previous embodiments. These carriers are indicated by the reference characters |9| and |92 and are best shown in Figure 21. Carrier |9| is positioned adjacent shell end plate |8| and includes a hub |93 rotatably seated upon stationary shaft |88 and is connected by a. screw |94 to the hub |88 of adjacent knob l-S for rotation therewith. Carrier |9| is formed with end walls of sufficiently deep radial extent as to enable it to receive the entire length of slide scale Y. A conical disctype spring brake |96 abuts the inner recessed end of carrier |9| and is itself supported by stationary shaft |84 which it encloses non-rotatably through being suitably secured to an adjacent small flange |91 integral with the shaft by means of a struck-out tab |98 extending into a recess |99 in the flange. Brake spring |96 at all times exerts a braking force against rotatable carrier 9| which, while not preventing limited free rotation of the carrier and the connected knob 86 under a momentum stored in the latter, is sucient to prevent overrunning when rotated slowly by a force transmitted to it through the tape Y seated thereon.

Upon the opposite end of stationary shaft |84 within end shell |58 is also positioned carrier |92 for the stationary tape X. As in the case of carrier |9I, carrier |92 is provided with a center hub, herein indicated by the reference character 28| which seats upon shaft 84 for rotation relative thereto. A coil spring 292 in the recessed end of carrier |92 and adjacent shell end plate |82 has its inner end fixed to shaft |84 and its outer end anchored to a pin 203 in the carrier end wall. Carrier |92 in fact is a take-up and the force of spring 282 acting thereon at all times tends to rotate it in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 20, to wind in the fixed tape X which is secured at its end to an inwardly pressed tab 284. In the case of both carriers |9| and |92 a pair of tape feed rollers 288 are provided which extend parallel to the shaft |84 and inside the shell immediately adjacent a slot 201 formed in the latter at the outer ends of section |55. As their name indicates these rollers guide the tapes in their travel toward and from the carriers and toward and from the adjacent rule section.

At the opposite end of the rule and within the shell |59 a single rotatable carrier 2| is provided, as is illustrated in Figure 22, which carrier is identical to carrier 9| in shell |58 except as specified. Its center hub 2 |2 seats rotatably upon the supporting shaft |84 and it is connected by the screw |94 to the adjacent knob |86. A brake |96 is provided having the same function as in the case of carrier |9| and is similarly mounted. rThe principal difference between carrier 2|| and |i| comprises the fact that the scale-supporting peripheral surface of carrier 2|| is provided adjacent its inner ends with an inwardly extending channel or seat 2|3 adapted to receive the cable which extends from the end of tape of slide scale Y for a reason to be explained, the cable being suitably secured to an anchor 2id. There is no carrier in shell |59 corresponding to carrier |92 or stock tape X in shell |58 and instead only a spaced pair of hooks 2|6 is provided xed to the inner upper surface Vof shell |59 adjacent slot 261 and at the ends of the channels |51 and |68 of section |51.

' The scales X and Y extend between the opposite ends of the unit and speciiically in the case of scale X between its take-up carrier |92 and the hooks 2|5, and in the case of slide scale Y between themanually rotatable carrier ISI and manually rotatable carrier 2||. The outer edge of each tape is positioned slidingly in the longitudinally extending channels |51 and |62 of the outer and inner sections, respectively, their inner adjacent edges being closely spaced-as illustrated in Figures 14 and 28. Scale Y can be advanced in either direction by the rotation of the knob |86 at that end toward which the scale is to move. Scale X, however, is xed and not longitudinally adjustable in the operation of the unit.

Because one xed scale and one movable scale are used, it is necessary to provide a longitudinally slidable runner, indicated by the reference character 22|. As is illustrated in Figure 28 the runner comprises an upper transparent plate 22|a and a lower counterpart 22|bi positioned, respectively, above and below the scales. Upper plate 22|a is positioned on a level with channels ISI and |55 and lower plate 22|'b` on a level with channels |63 and |58 in the inner and outer sections. Each is supported for longitudinal movement by laterally extending pins 223, as illustrated in Figure 24, of which there may be a plurality along each edge. The pins are seated in transversely extending bores 224 in the plates and are spring-pressed outwardly and into the adjacent leg channel by coil springs 226 abutting their inner ends. Pins 223 have a sliding fit with the channels and at their outer ends carry rollers 228 rotatable about vertical axes and adapted to contact the channel base. With the unit extended in operative relationship, depending upon the longitudinal position of the runner, rollers 228 will contact either the channels |S| and |63 or the channels |26 and |68. Unavoidably the extension of the pins when riding in the channels IGI and |53 of outer members |56 and |51 will be greater than their extension when riding in channels |36 and |68 of inner members |5| and |52. IThe springs 225 perform the important function of enabling the pins to vary their lateral extension and to adjust themselves as the runner moves between the channels of different widths. It is understood, of course, that the diierence arises from the fact that the inner and outer sections of the unit must be of diierent width and size in order to telescope, as previously described.

'Ihe upper and lower runner plates 22|a and 22 lb are secured for conjoint movement by vertically extending pins 23|, of which one is illustrated in Figure 28. The upper and lower pin sections are threadedly connected and. between them is seated a roller 232 positioned in the plane of the scales X and Y and adapted to pass between the adjacent edges thereof.

iil)

markings may be provided upon both sides of the scales to increase the range of usefulness for by inverting the unit the underside of the unit is as usable as the upper. Scale X is provided with hooks 235 at its opposite ends adapted to engage respectively the integral tab 2M upon its take-up carrier |92 and the hooks 2|6 in the shell |59. The hook 231 at one end of scale Y is adapted to engage a tab 238 upon its carrier |2| while its opposite end is provided with an elongated cable 25| carrying an eye 242 at its end. Cable 25| is wound in channel 2|3 of carrier 2H, the eye 2M at its end being secured to the fixed anchor 2|4 in the channel While the scale Y is wound upon the surface of the carrier itself. Both scales X and Y preferably include unmarked lengths at their ends as may be desired.

1n the use of the slide rule unit constructed in accordance with the present invention the unit is integrated as illustrated in Figure 14, the outer sections |56 and |51 being slid longitudinally to their outermost positions on the inner sections |5| and |52. The inner sections are held in alignment by the slide locks |1| which extend between their abutting ends as illustrated in Figure 26. The scales X and Y extend the full length of the unit between the shells |52 and |59, the scale X being xed while the scale Y is adjustable -as desired by the rotation of knobs |86 at its opposite ends. To move scale Y in one direction the knob |86 is rotated at that end of the unit toward which it is intended that it should move. Runner 22| is longitudinally slidable throughout the length of the construction, the rollers 222 making rolling Contact with their supporting channels. The plates oi" the runner, as stated, are transparent, may be provided with hair lines as desired, and both scales are visible from above by inverting the unit.

To store the construction runner 22| is rst moved to the extreme left, as viewed in Figure i4, positioning it at the Outer end of section |56. The hooks 235 at the right end of tape X are then unhooked from hooks 2 i in shell |59 whereupon the scale is automatically wound upon its carrier |552 in the opposite shell |58 under the action ol the take-up spring EEZ acting thereon. The hook 235 is thicker than the space separating upper and lower runner members 22|a and 22|?) so that the wind-up of the tape is stopped when the hook reaches the runner.

Knob |28 at the left end of the unit is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction to wind the full length of scale Y onto carrier |9|. The cable 24| at the opposite end of the scale at carrier 2li will nally be drawn outwardly and will extend between the two ends of the unit in place of the scale -which will be entirely wound upon carrier The overall length of the unit is then shortened by sliding the outer sections 65S and i'i inwardly to telescope the inner sections E! and |52, a step which is evident by a comparison of Figures 15 and 16. At this point the two slide locks |1| are moved longitudinally to the left, as viewed in Figures 14 and 26, by a manual force exerted upon their roughened upper surfaces. When the stop pin |13 contacts the end of its slot |113 in each instance the locks will no longer overlie the abutment joint between the sections i5! and |52 and the unit may be pivoted from its straight-line relationship illustrate-d in Figure 16 to its folded relationship of Figure 17. With the unit in its folded condition illustrated in Figure 17 the cable 24| extends 13 directly between the shells |58 and |59 as illustrated in Figure 17. To replace the unit in condition for use is merely the reverse operation from that described in placing it in condition for storage.

While the particular apparatus herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as dened in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A calculating device of the character described including a plurality of cooperating scales each involving a flexible tape and markings on both sides thereof, the scales having straight adjacent visible portions and rolled portions forming supplies to and from which the scales are operable, carriers at the ends of the straight portions supporting the rolled portions, a frame holding the carriers and providing an uninterrupted View of said scales from above and below, and transparent covers at both sides of the visible portions of the scales and each having a reference mark thereon cooperating with the markings on the scales.

2. In a calculating device of the character described including a plurality of cooperating scales each involving a flexible tape and markings thereon and having adjacent visible portions and rolled portions forming supplies to and from which the scales are operable, operating means for the scales including longitudinally slidable clutches directly physically engageable to and disengageable from the scales, and manually operable actuating means to engage the clutches separately or simultaneously and to displace them longitudinally of said scales.

3. In a calculating device of the character described including a plurality of cooperating scales each involving a flexible tape and markings thereon and having adjacent visible portions and rolled end portions forming supplies to and from which the scales are operable, a scale transporting mechanism including a slidable body carrying clutches directly and selectively engaging the scales for separate or simultaneous movement toward said end portions.

4. In a calculating device of the type including a plurality of cooperating scales each involving a flexible tape and markings thereon, the sc-ales having adjacent Visible portions and rolled portions forming supplies to and from which the scales are operable; carriers supporting said rolled portions of the scales, a frame supporting the carriers at the ends of the visible portions of the scales, and operating means for the scales including an operator slidably carried by the frame and having pivoted arms, and clutches operated by the arms and coupling the operator and the scales.

5. In a calculating device, a body formed at its ends with carriers for the rolled extremities of a flexible scale, guide means between said carriers for said scale in its movement therebetween, a scale-transporting unit slidable on said body between said carriers, said unit including gripping means positioned to grip said scale to exert a moving force thereon upon the movement of said unit, said unit also including manually operable means to actuate said gripping means and to receive a propelling force.

6. In a calculating device, a body formed at its ends with carriers for the rolled extremities of a pair of iiexible scales, guide means between said carriers to guide said scales in side-by-side relationship in a single plane, a scale-transporting unit slidable on said body between said carriers, said unit including gripping means to grip said scales for conjoint movement therewith, and individual actuating means for said gripping means to enable the operator selectively to clamp one or both said scales to said unit for movement therewith.

7. In a calculating device of the type in which a iiexible tape scale is movable between rolled supplies at its ends, a body rotatably supporting said supplies to receive and to feed said scale and including rigid members therebetween spaced to form a protecting frame for said eX- ible scale, a gripping transport unit slidable on said rigid members between said supplies to effect the movement of said scale and including a base slidably mounted on said rigid members, a clutch to secure said scale to said base, and a pivoted arm to open and close said clutch and to receive a propelling force for said unit.

8. The construction recited in claim 7 characterized in that said unit includes a pair of clutches adapted to clamp scales to said base and in that each of said clutches has its own pivoted actuating arm.

9. The construction recited in claim 8 characterized in that said actuating arms are interconnected by a rigid bar through a take-up providing for relative angular movement.

10. In a calculating device of the type embodying a flexible tape scale having rolled supplies at the opposite ends of a central straight portion, a body providing interiorly smooth cylindrical containers in which said supplies may rotate freely as said tape scale is forced therein or pulled therefrom, and a scale-transporting unit movable along said central straight portion and including gripping means to clamp said tape scale, and manually operable means to actuate said gripping means.

11. In a calculating device of the type embodying a exible tape scale having rolled supplies at its opposite ends of a central straight portion, a body providing interiorly smooth cylindrical containers in which said supplies may rotate freely as said tape scale is forced therein or pulled therefrom, and a scale-transporting unit movable along said central straight portion to force said tape scale into or pull it from said containers.

SHELDON K. JOHNSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 786,102 Cooper Mar. 28, 1905 1,068,982 Connio July 29, 1913 1,553,906 Marette Sept. 15, 1925 1,777,692 Fuss Oct. 7, 1930 1,964,879 Jelinek July 3, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 40,982 Denmark Oct. 14, 1929 

